CNN projects Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert loses Colorado House seat to Democrat Eileen Laubacher
The gist
CNN's Decision Desk projected Democrat Eileen Laubacher would beat Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert, 48.77% to 47.92%.
Boebert has not conceded, and Colorado's recount rules could still decide the race.
How it unfolded
- Sep 17, 2026David Wheeler, co-founder of the political action committee American Muckrakers, sent a House Ethics Committee complaint alleging Boebert had sexual relationships with three congressional staffers, including a former chief of staff.
- Sep 23, 2026Boebert denied the allegations, calling them "filthy garbage" and a "scam."
- Oct 16, 2026A Weld County judge granted Boebert a temporary protection order against a man she says is spreading lies about her and her staff.
Key terms
- recount rules
- A repeat tabulation of votes, often triggered when the initial tally is extremely close.
- House Freedom Caucus
- A congressional caucus of conservative Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives, considered the chamber's most conservative bloc.
- cure ballots
- Correcting minor errors, such as identification problems, on mail-in or absentee ballots so the vote can be counted.
Source: Wikipedia